Lincoln, Neb. (March 7, 2024) – The “Great Advice” series of online e-guides is gathered by Inceptia, a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower students with financial knowledge. The latest addition to the series, Great Advice for FAFSA, specifically seeks to help students understand and manage the new FAFSA and its delay.

Crafted with the aim of empowering students to comprehend and manage the current state of FAFSA, this special edition of “Great Advice” provides insights and actionable tips for students grappling with the repercussions of FAFSA simplification.

"FAFSA simplification was envisioned to streamline the application process for students and families. However, despite its shorter format, delays have ensued, causing some turbulence," remarks Michelle Lisec-Talarico, Director of Marketing at Inceptia. "For first-time filers, the anticipation of financial aid hangs in the balance. Return filers, meanwhile, strive to focus on their studies amidst uncertainty about their financial assistance."

Lisec-Talarico emphasizes the ever present FAFSA-related discourse, stating, "Hardly a day passes without another article or announcement from associations, educational institutions, or media outlets regarding FAFSA. Fortunately, there is a collective commitment to offer guidance and understanding, despite the shifting timelines. “Great Advice for FAFSA” serves resource, providing an overview of the current FAFSA landscape and offering actionable guidance as the process evolves."

“Great Advice for FAFSA” represents Inceptia’s collaboration with the personal finance experts at NerdWallet to provide the most current information, including the state of the FAFSA.

"Great Advice for FAFSA" is a quick read available as a complimentary download for dissemination among all audiences seeking clarity on navigating the FAFSA process.

ABOUT INCEPTIA
Inceptia, enables colleges and universities to strengthen relationships and boost enrollment using dynamic tools and personal outreach programs that empower students to successfully navigate admissions and financial aid. With tailored solutions and a nonprofit’s commitment to service, we remove barriers for students so schools can focus on what matters most – guiding them toward a rich and rewarding life through higher education.

ABOUT NERDWALLET
NerdWallet (Nasdaq: NRDS) is on a mission to provide clarity for all of life’s financial decisions. As a personal finance website and app, NerdWallet provides consumers with trustworthy and knowledgeable financial information so they can make smart money moves. From finding the best credit card to buying a house, NerdWallet is there to help consumers make financial decisions with confidence. Consumers have free access to our expert content and comparison shopping marketplaces, plus a data-driven app, which helps them stay on top of their finances and save time and money, giving them the freedom to do more. NerdWallet is available for consumers in the U.S., UK, Canada and Australia.

Lincoln, Neb. (October 24, 2023) – Inceptia, a leading force in student engagement and financial services, is excited to announce the appointment of three members to our Business Development Team. This strategic expansion underscores our commitment to serving students and schools with innovation and dedication.

"Inceptia is excited to welcome these talented individuals to our Business Development Team. Their collective experience, passion and shared commitment to education will strengthen our ability to support schools and their students," said Mike Lubben, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Inceptia.

• Bob Sercu, Assistant Vice President, will be extending his dedication to education in MN, WI, MI, IL, MO, IA, and IN.
• Carrie Stone, Assistant Vice President, will be supporting school success in VA, WV, MD, DC, DE, KY, and OH
• Nate Wenneker, Assistant Vice President, empowering students and schools in NV, ID, MT, UT, AK, OR, WA, CA, CO,
  and WY

Bob, Carrie and Nate have joined our team to further amplify our commitment to nation-wide support to increase student services by helping schools maximize their time for direct student support rather than tasks, technology and regulations. Inceptia's mission revolves around empowering educational institutions and learners as trusted advisors with innovative solutions.

This strategic expansion reinforces our purpose to better support students and schools, and we are eager to see the positive impact that our new team members will make. Their dedication to our mission, coupled with their innovative spirit, will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of our educational partners.

ABOUT INCEPTIA
Inceptia, a nonprofit organization, provides innovation and leadership in higher education access and success through engaging and empowering students and streamlining processes. While our name and solutions have evolved, Inceptia is pleased to bring more than 35 years of experience helping millions of students achieve their higher education dreams at schools nationwide. Our mission is to support schools in illuminating a path towards educational and financial success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching their full potential. Our solutions are designed to support student success by helping schools maximize resources, so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development.

Lincoln, Neb. (September 7, 2023) – For an eighth consecutive year, Inceptia’s Great Advice for Parents provides trusted guidance for college-bound students and their families.

The free e-guide exemplifies Inceptia’s mission to un-complicate topics that can cause confusion or anxiety for students; for high schoolers, college planning and financial aid are at the top of this list.

“We consistently hear from educators and counselors that students and families are clamoring for an easy-to-read, comprehensive source of non-biased information,” says Carissa Uhlman, vice president of student success at Inceptia. “So every year, we gather a wide-ranging variety of articles to address the myriad questions our readers have. Great Advice for Parents is our solution to help families make informed decisions, have tough conversations, or consider ideas they might not have previously explored – all in one convenient place.”

Inceptia’s continued partnership with NerdWallet allows Great Advice to feature a variety of topics, ranging from the new FAFSA simplification changes, to determining the value of a college degree, to managing your money in college, and more, with articles like:

• FAFSA Simplification: 7 Changes to Expect
• College Enrollment Is Down, but Here’s Why You Should Still Go
• Costs Down, Wages Up: Can You ‘Work Your Way’ Through College?

As part of Inceptia’s nonprofit mission, this guide is a free resource for high school and college educators, counselors, coaches, and mentors, as well as other nonprofit organizations that assist students and families in preparing for college. It is available for free download or shared with students and families via our downloadable Great Advice for Parents flyer.

ABOUT INCEPTIA
Inceptia, a nonprofit organization, provides innovation and leadership in higher education access and success through engaging and empowering students and streamlining processes. While our name and solutions have evolved over the years, Inceptia is still pleased to bring more than 35 years of experience helping millions of students achieve their higher education dreams at schools nationwide. Our mission is to support schools in illuminating a path towards educational and financial success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching their full potential. Our solutions are designed to support student success by helping financial aid administrators maximize resources, so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development.

ABOUT NERDWALLET
NerdWallet (Nasdaq: NRDS) is on a mission to provide clarity for all of life’s financial decisions. As a personal finance website and app, NerdWallet provides consumers with trustworthy and knowledgeable financial information so they can make smart money moves. From finding the best credit card to buying a house, NerdWallet is there to help consumers make financial decisions with confidence. Consumers have free access to our expert content and comparison shopping marketplaces, plus a data-driven app, which helps them stay on top of their finances and save time and money, giving them the freedom to do more. NerdWallet is available for consumers in the U.S., UK, Canada and Australia.

“NerdWallet” is a trademark of NerdWallet, Inc. All rights reserved. Other names and trademarks used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Lincoln, Neb. (August 9, 2023) – National Student Loan Program announced today that Randy Heesacker, after over 35 years with the organization, will retire from his position as President and CEO as of October 2, 2023. Throughout his 16-year tenure in the President and CEO role, Heesacker has led the team through many changes in the industry. His leadership and dedication are shown in the rebranding of NSLP to Inceptia, the creation of a new portfolio of products and services, and navigating through the COVID pandemic despite regulatory business challenges, while successfully continuing to service a multi-billion dollar FFELP guaranty portfolio.

Heesacker credits much of this progress with gratitude to Inceptia’s Executive Management team and the continued employee commitment to outstanding service to the higher education community. “Without the dedication of the entire team, we would not have been able to thrive with innovation and diversification. I’m confident that commitment will carry Inceptia through a future of continued growth.” comments Heesacker.

The NSLP Board of Directors has named David Macoubrie as the new President and CEO. Previously, Macoubrie served as Executive Vice President and COO, overseeing Operations including the student advocate and financial aid teams. He has been with Inceptia for almost 35 years, and looks forward to leading the organization in his new role.

Macoubrie added, “Having been with Inceptia for more than 35 years, I’m honored to lead our innovative team in this new role. Randy has positioned Inceptia well for the future and we thank him for that vision. I am looking forward to our opportunities to strategically and creatively fulfill our mission to provide services and develop solutions that will benefit students, schools and communities.”

Deana Unger, who has served as the organization’s Vice President of Financial Aid Services, will assume the role of COO. In her new role, Unger will oversee the delivery of Inceptia’s products and services to students, families, colleges, and universities.

ABOUT INCEPTIA
Inceptia, a nonprofit organization, provides innovation and leadership in higher education access and success through engaging and empowering students and streamlining processes. For more than 35 years, Inceptia and NSLP have helped millions of students achieve their higher education dreams at schools nationwide. Our mission is to support schools in illuminating a path towards educational and financial success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching their full potential. Our solutions are designed to support student success by helping financial aid administrators maximize resources, so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development.

Lincoln, Neb. (July 17, 2023) – Nebraska nonprofit Inceptia has been educating students for a decade via the Great Advice series of online e-guides. The newest guide, Great Advice for Repayment, specifically seeks to help student borrowers understand and prepare for the end of the pandemic-related loan repayment pause.

This special edition comes as the moratorium on federal student loan payments reached its end on June 30th. Now, after over three years of repayment reprieve, student borrowers have a steep learning curve to prepare for payments to resume in October.

“Students are all over the map in terms of what they know about repayments,” says Carissa Uhlman, vice president of student success at Inceptia. “For some who graduated or left school during the past three years, they’ve never had to make payments at all. The whole process will be completely new to them. Or for those who previously made payments, they may be familiar with the process, but unsure about who their servicer is, or how to review their loan information. It’s going to be a big adjustment for everyone.”

She continues, “But for all students, I think there are just a lot of questions about how to prepare, who to contact, and what options are available. We made Great Advice for Repayment as a way to concisely answer exactly those top-of-mind questions.”

Great Advice for Repayment represents Inceptia’s collaboration with the personal finance experts at NerdWallet to provide the most current information, including the latest Supreme Court ruling on student debt cancellation.

“Great Advice for Repayment” is available now as a free download and is meant to be shared with all audiences.

ABOUT INCEPTIA
Inceptia, a nonprofit organization, provides innovation and leadership in higher education access and success through engaging and empowering students and streamlining processes. For more than 35 years, Inceptia and NSLP have helped millions of students achieve their higher education dreams at schools nationwide. Our mission is to support schools in illuminating a path towards educational and financial success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching their full potential. Our solutions are designed to support student success by helping financial aid administrators maximize resources, so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development.

ABOUT NERDWALLET
NerdWallet (Nasdaq: NRDS) is on a mission to provide clarity for all of life’s financial decisions. As a personal finance website and app, NerdWallet provides consumers with trustworthy and knowledgeable financial information so they can make smart money moves. From finding the best credit card to buying a house, NerdWallet is there to help consumers make financial decisions with confidence. Consumers have free access to our expert content and comparison shopping marketplaces, plus a data-driven app, which helps them stay on top of their finances and save time and money, giving them the freedom to do more. NerdWallet is available for consumers in the U.S., UK, Canada and Australia.

Lincoln, Neb. (March 14, 2023) – Inceptia is pleased to announce Gwinnett Technical College (GTC) has selected Inceptia to offer student loan repayment counseling and outreach services with Repayment Counseling Outreach.

Even though Federal student loan repayment is still on hold, once it resumes it will have been more than three years since students have even thought about repayment, making it more important than ever they have access to resources that help them navigate the complexities of student loan repayment and avoid default.

"We've recently wrapped up a couple of projects using the Student Outreach Programs from Inceptia, where we welcomed more returning students to our school and a very positive return on our investment. Inceptia's student advocate counselors were able to connect with our students and treat them with the same care we do. Continuing our work by implementing Repayment Counseling Outreach will ensure that Gwinnett Technical College students are well-informed about their loan repayment options and have access to the tools and resources they need to manage their student loan debt successfully," said Dr. Kohle Paul, Vice President, Student Affairs.

Students who receive student loan counseling are more likely to make timely payments and avoid defaulting on their loans. Inceptia's Repayment Counseling Outreach connects with students to help them understand their repayment options and choose the best repayment plan for their unique circumstances, ultimately setting them up for a better chance of financial success.

Paul adds, "GTC is planning ahead for what is to come with our students' well-being in mind. We want them to be prepared no matter what repayment looks like for them."

We're looking forward to working with Gwinnett Technical College to support their students in achieving financial wellness and success through this partnership. Inceptia's commitment to providing student loan repayment counseling and outreach services will not only benefit the students of GTC, but also contribute to the larger goal of promoting financial literacy and reducing student loan debt defaults across the country.

ABOUT INCEPTIA
Inceptia, a division of National Student Loan Program (NSLP), is a nonprofit organization committed to offering effective and uncomplicated solutions in verification, financial aid management, financial education, and repayment wellness. For more than 35 years, Inceptia and NSLP have helped millions of students achieve their higher education dreams at schools nationwide. Our mission is to support schools in illuminating a path towards educational and financial success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching their full potential. Our solutions are designed to support student success by helping financial aid administrators maximize resources, so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development. Learn more at inceptia.org.

Lincoln, Neb. (January 18, 2023) – Inceptia is proud to share the full launch of Financial Avenue enhanced on the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). The migration to the new platform combines the best in higher-education platforms with Financial Avenue’s best-in-class approach to financial wellness and education.

Originally launched in 2010, Financial Avenue is now in its third iteration, having previously been redesigned in 2015. This most recent upgrade exemplifies Inceptia’s commitment to continual improvement.

“We are always keeping an eye on innovation when it comes to Financial Avenue, and not just in regard to content,” says Carissa Uhlman, vice president of student success at Inceptia. “If there’s a better way to connect with students and deepen the learning, we want to explore that. So with the increase in Canvas utilization throughout the pandemic, we realized it was a natural fit to become the new home for our program. Student comfortability with the platform translates to increased ease with Financial Avenue uptake.”

Aside from the widespread familiarity with Canvas, clients also benefit from added features like course gradebooks, analytics, and increased customization options like uploading module resources, or creating assignments or discussions.

A corresponding program app also provides an opportunity to meet students where they are, according to Uhlman. “We knew the demand was there – we listened, and we took action. We’re proud to now offer Financial Avenue via the Canvas Student app, and we’re excited for the opportunity to put financial education in the hands of even more students.”

This new version of Financial Avenue continues to offer resources clients have come to rely on, including self-service reporting options, marketing and educator toolkits, and ten highly acclaimed content modules that holistically address personal financial wellness. Inceptia plans to increase their course catalog in 2023 with client-requested content pertaining to new student orientation, taxes, entrance and exit counseling, and more.

ABOUT INCEPTIA
Inceptia, a division of National Student Loan Program (NSLP), is a nonprofit organization committed to offering effective and uncomplicated solutions in verification, financial aid management, financial education, and repayment wellness. For more than 35 years, Inceptia and NSLP have helped millions of students achieve their higher education dreams at schools nationwide. Our mission is to support schools in illuminating a path towards educational and financial success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching their full potential. Our solutions are designed to support student success by helping financial aid administrators maximize resources, so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development. Learn more at inceptia.org.

Lincoln, Neb. (September 13, 2022) – Inceptia is proud to share the release of free Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) resources on Inceptia.org designed to help borrowers better understand PSLF and determine if they qualify for forgiveness. This is a timely resource with emphasis on the temporary, limited PSLF waiver allowing borrowers to receive credit for past periods of payment made under any repayment plan and nearly and Federal loan type that expires October 31, 2022.

The PSLF Toolkit includes an overview video of PSLF, and also breaks the process down into easier-to-understand sections, including a section on the one-time limited waiver. With a flyer that can be posted, emailed, or handed out, and links to the key pages on studentaid.gov, the toolkit offers a consumable approach to a potentially complicated process. The PSLF Toolkit is the newest in free resources to help student loan borrowers manage their financial future through repayment success.

Dave Macoubrie, EVP and COO at Inceptia, believes communication is the key to student engagement and helping borrowers help themselves. “PSLF, public service loan forgiveness, is an underutilized opportunity to provide debt relief to those who have used their education to give back to the community. Especially with the Temporary PSF Waver deadline fast approaching, we want to help schools get the word out to their students in an uncomplicated way, with explanations, to-dos and links in one place. The PSLF Toolkit does just that and continues our mission in reducing the barriers to brighter financial futures.”

As part of Inceptia’s nonprofit mission, this toolkit is a free resource for students, college educators, counselors, coaches, and mentors, as well as other nonprofit organizations that assist students and families in financial wellness.

ABOUT INCEPTIA
Inceptia, a division of National Student Loan Program (NSLP), is a nonprofit organization committed to offering effective and uncomplicated solutions in verification, financial aid management, financial education, and repayment wellness. For more than 35 years, Inceptia and NSLP have helped millions of students achieve their higher education dreams at schools nationwide. Our mission is to support schools in illuminating a path towards educational and financial success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching their full potential. Our solutions are designed to support student success by helping financial aid administrators maximize resources, so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development. Learn more at inceptia.org.

Lincoln, Neb. (September 7, 2022) – Inceptia is proud to announce the release of Great Advice for Parents 2022. The seventh edition of this annual free e-guide continues the tradition of presenting high school students and families with the information needed most to make critical college, financial aid, and career decisions.

Aside from the continued focus on the FAFSA and navigating the financial aid process, this year’s edition also examines setting realistic expectations for low-paying majors, and drawing the line financially for parents or guardians.

Carissa Uhlman, vice president of student success at Inceptia, believes this year’s guide is a sign of the times. “The past few years have been a time of massive change due to the pandemic, with much discussion around online learning, gap years, and loss or reduction of income. Now, we are seeing many families having tough discussions brought on by rising college costs and inflation, as well as the changing landscape of student loan debt and forgiveness. We’ve been listening, and we picked this year’s content based on that feedback.”

Through a continued partnership with NerdWallet and their personal finance experts, this year’s Great Advice for Parents features timely articles that include:

• Balancing Hopes, Dreams and a Low-Paying College Major
• Pay for Your Kid’s College? 3 Times to Think Twice
• 7 Options if You Didn’t Receive Enough Financial Aid

As part of Inceptia’s nonprofit mission, this guide is a free resource for high school and college educators, counselors, coaches, and mentors, as well as other nonprofit organizations that assist students and families in preparing for college. It is available for free download or shared with students and families via our downloadable Great Advice for Parents flyer.

ABOUT INCEPTIA
Inceptia, a division of National Student Loan Program (NSLP), is a nonprofit organization committed to offering effective and uncomplicated solutions in verification, financial aid management, financial education, and repayment wellness. For more than 35 years, Inceptia and NSLP have helped millions of students achieve their higher education dreams at schools nationwide. Our mission is to support schools in illuminating a path towards educational and financial success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching their full potential. Our solutions are designed to support student success by helping financial aid administrators maximize resources, so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development. Learn more at inceptia.org.

ABOUT NERDWALLET
NerdWallet (Nasdaq: NRDS) is on a mission to provide clarity for all of life’s financial decisions. As a personal finance website and app, NerdWallet provides consumers with trustworthy and knowledgeable financial information so they can make smart money moves. From finding the best credit card to buying a house, NerdWallet is there to help consumers make financial decisions with confidence. Consumers have free access to our expert content and comparison shopping marketplaces, plus a data-driven app, which helps them stay on top of their finances and save time and money, giving them the freedom to do more. NerdWallet is available for consumers in the U.S., UK and Canada.

“NerdWallet” is a trademark of NerdWallet, Inc. All rights reserved. Other names and trademarks used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.